Dendrobium cleistogamum

Also known as: The Unopening Dendrobium or Kinetochilus cleistogamus in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: New Caledonia

General Information

The Unopening Dendrobium is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to New Caledonia.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 45cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery erect leaves that grow to 1cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 45cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 51mm to 145mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in April. Humidity ranges from 67% to 76%, highest in October and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 11C to 25C, highest in June (18C to 25C) and lowest in February (11C to 19C).

Watering

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs.